Week 1 loss might haunt Warriors

BOONSBORO - The loss that the Boonsboro Warriors suffered in the first week of the 2007 football season can never be erased from their record.

But a win tonight over Smithsburg can certainly soothe the sting of that defeat.

The Warriors (6-3) need to beat Smithsburg (9-0) in week 10 in order to stay alive for week 11 - all of which stems from that week 1 loss to Moorefield.

"I feel bad that we let one game get away," Boonsboro coach Clayton Anders said. "In two (losses), the other team really just outplayed us. But one game we let get away. And that could be the one that comes back to haunt us."

The Warriors lost 14-13 at home in their season opener by being overly generous hosts to Moorefield. Boonsboro lost four fumbles, had three touchdowns called back due to penalties and had an extra point blocked.

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"Moorefield ended up going 6-4 and making the playoffs, but that was one we needed to win," Anders said. "And in my mind at that time, I was hoping that game wouldn't become the X-factor."

Boonsboro doesn't come into the final game on the highest of notes, either. The Warriors lost 50-30 to Catoctin last week, one week after Smithsburg dominated the Cougars in a 21-6 win.

The 50 points were the most allowed by Boonsboro in Anders' 23-year tenure as head coach.

"I don't remember taking a thumping like that, in terms of points, in a long time," Anders said. "It all goes back to defending. We didn't defend well."

The Warriors had very few experienced players to start the season, and none on the defensive side of the ball.

"On defense, we had nobody back. That was the biggest question mark in my mind at the start of the season," Anders said. "I don't want to be unfair to the kids, but that's still ... you give up 50 points, there's a reason you gave up 50 points."

Boonsboro can score some points and the Warriors can diversify their offense in ways very similar to Smithsburg.

The Warriors have a stable of running backs led by Ryan McLean, who has rushed for 1,176 yards and 11 touchdowns. Andrew Griffith and Brandon McLean - Ryan's younger brother - are both near the 600-yard mark. Griffith has 12 touchdowns, McLean six.

Quarterback John Shobe is quietly having a solid year, completing 43 of 79 passes for 775 yards with eight touchdowns and three interceptions. Chris Selby has 15 catches for 372 yards and six touchdowns and Jordan Young has 13 receptions for 165 yards.

Still, Anders admits that his biggest concern tonight is whether or not his defense can slow down the Leopards. If not, that loss to Moorefield will haunt him even more.

"The bad thing about it is it happened in game 1. You've got to hope you can overcome one," Anders said. "We'll see if we can."